Tory MPs spent a damp Friday at Westminster for a fruitless day of debate on James Wharton’s EU referendum bill. Fruitless, because Labour tried very hard to talk out the bill, leading to colourful accusations that the Opposition was “playing silly buggers”.

The Labour filibuster reflects that party’s continued indecision about a referendum. Labour folk like Ed Balls are sympathetic to a vote. Others, like Ed Miliband, are not. While Ed M appears to be winning for now, there is no sign of resolution, so Labour is keen to avoid being forced into a clear choice on the issue.

But what about the Tories? It’s become a commonplace of late for Tories to claim that the party is unusually unified over the European issue for once – united in irritation at Adam Afriyie, some say.

But look closer and a real Tory divide is visible in the European debate: safe seats vs marginals.

Those sitting on fat majorities are intensely comfortable banging on about Europe, enjoying every minute of the CCHQ campaign to highlight the Wharton Bill and offer the voters a say on Europe.

By contrast, those fighting for survival “need this like a hole in the head”, says one MP. “We should be talking about jobs and public services – anything but Europe.”

As the Conservatives start the slow process of debating and deciding exactly how to approach the general election in 2015, this particular split will be well worth watching.

FARAGE FIGHTS BACK

An old-fashioned political spat has broken out between Nigel Farage, the leader of Ukip, and Anna Soubry, the Tory defence minister. In an article for Telegraph Politics, he says her rant on Question Time last night was "intemperate, inaccurate and offensive" and that the Government is refusing to listen to the public's concern over immigration. She's no shrinking violet, however. Watch the exchange that started it all here.

RIP JOHN COLE

Tributes were paid to John Cole, the BBC's legendary former political editor, who has died after a long illness. Ed Miliband said: "My generation grew up watching John Cole. He conveyed the drama and importance of politics. Many condolences to his family." David Cameron said he was a "Titan of the BBC – and a great political reporter". Sir John Major said: "John Cole was one of the finest political correspondents of my lifetime, and a real credit to his profession. When John spoke, everyone listened."

Philip Hammond, the Defence Secretary, said legalising same-sex marriage was "damaging" for the Conservative Party and was pushed through too quickly by David Cameron. He and other Tories were left "shocked" by the "tumultuous" pace of change and would have preferred for it to have "gradually taken root". Report here.

WELFARE LOSERS

Labour is not winning the argument over welfare reform, one of Ed Miliband's aides has suggested. Karen Buck, the Labour leader’s parliamentary aide, said the political battle over benefits and social security is “not one where we have won”. It's a tricky area for Labour. Last month it emerged that James Morris, Mr Miliband’s polling adviser, had told a private meeting that “politically salient groups” are likely to support, not oppose, the Government’s benefit changes and that the party faces a “very severe” challenge on welfare. Hence their continuing support for Universal Credit in the week when its woeful implementation has been revealed.

HUNT'S RICHES

Jeremy Hunt will reportedly net £15 million from the sale of Hotcourses, an education listings company he co-founded in the 1990s. Congratulations to him: we're in favour of wealth creation here and he should be applauded for setting up a successful business. The timing of the windfall, however, is unhelpful. Labour will use the story as ammunition in the cost-of-living debate – but at least he's not a former Spad. Our story here.